Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sagarika Ghose on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Centre in the Rajya Sabha during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Speaking emotionally about the alleged NEET paper leak, Ghose started with calling herself a mother of a doctor. Drawing from her personal experience she said that she understood the pressure of the NEET UG and PG and accused the government of failing India’s students.
‘I Know What Parents Go Through’
Beginning her speech on an emotional note, Ghose said she had witnessed the pressure of the NEET examination firsthand.
“I am the mother of a medical student. My son went through the entire NEET process for both UG and PG and today he is a doctor. My dream came true, but millions of parents dream the same dream, and many of those dreams have been shattered. Some parents may never even see their children again,” she said.
She alleged that the government was disconnected from the realities faced by students and their families.
“The treasury benches do not understand the people’s concerns, they do not understand students or the youth. They only understand ‘Mann Ki Baat’,” Ghose remarked.
‘Students Lose Sleep While Government Remains Unaffected’
Ghose said competitive examinations place immense emotional pressure on students and accused the government of failing to recognise their struggles.
“They will never stay awake till two in the morning waiting for results. They will never watch a child stop eating, stop sleeping and stop smiling because one examination controls his or her entire future,” she said.
Taking a swipe at the ruling party, she added, “Many of their children study in the UK, the US and Europe. Their children do not study in India, yet they lecture us about patriotism.”
She also highlighted the financial sacrifices made by ordinary families.
“Millions of parents sell their land, take loans and send their children hundreds of kilometres away for coaching. All these students ask for is one fair chance,” she said.
‘Cancelled Exam Reflects Government Failure’
Targeting the government’s response to the controversy, Ghose criticised the reported remark that cancelled examinations gave students more time to prepare.
“A cancelled paper is not a learning opportunity; it is the government’s failure,” she said.
She also referred to the deaths of students linked to the examination controversy and criticised the Prime Minister for remaining silent.
“Twenty-one children have lost their lives, yet the Prime Minister has not spoken a single word. No sympathy, no condolences, nothing. He remains busy with ‘Mann Ki Baat’,” Ghose said.
Demands Amit Shah’s Resignation
The TMC MP also questioned the government’s handling of student protests following the alleged paper leak.
“When governance fails, citizens have the democratic right to protest peacefully. But how did the government respond? With lathis, tear gas and even reports of AK-47s being used in Bihar,” she said.
Demanding accountability from the Union Home Ministry, Ghose asked, “Can the Home Minister escape accountability?”
She further said, “I demand that the Home Minister answer the students. If he cannot do so, he must resign.”
Targets PM Modi’s ‘Exam Warriors’ Book
In one of her sharpest remarks, Ghose questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s book Exam Warriors while accusing the government of failing students.
“A Prime Minister who has never appeared for a competitive examination is writing a book called Exam Warriors. That is laughable,” she said.
Concluding her speech, Ghose expressed support for the students leading the protests.
“The protesters are patriots. They are not asking for favours. They are asking the system for justice, accountability and solutions,” she said.
Ghose urged the Centre to move beyond legislation and ensure transparency, accountability and fairness in the country’s examination system, saying that only then would students regain confidence in public examinations.
‘Do Not Criminalise Peaceful Protests’
Ending her speech, Ghose said protests have always played a vital role in India’s democracy and urged the government not to treat student demonstrations as criminal acts.
“Independent India was born out of protest. I want to tell the government: do not criminalise protest. Democracy is not Mann Ki Baat; democracy is Janata Ki Baat,” she said.
Reiterating her support for the students, Ghose added, “The protesters are patriots. They are not asking for favours. They are asking the system for justice, accountability and solutions.”